Smart finally coming to the USA

  • Thread starter Thread starter jimihemmy
  • 111 comments
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Revival! The Smart is officially on sale now, and after looking at them on eBay; I want one. In metallic blue, pure, with only A/C and a radio. Maybe power steering.
 
They're still selling well in Canada too. We were the test market, and analysts thought the novelty would wear off. Prices are dropping, but I'd still say it is too expensive for what you get. I guess there are still plenty of middle-upper class people who find it worthwhile.
 
They had the Smart at the NAIAS so I had a look around it and a sit in one. I didn't really think much of it, I mean I was expecting small but it was just to small...even for a short guy like me. I know they are pretty safe but I do not think I would feel secure in a car like that especially with all the halfwits driving around in Suburbans. Also I don't know where you would put anything in them, it seems that a small rucksack would be about all it could hold.
 
I think the prices are pretty good. Starts at 11 grand? I'm fine with that. 👍
 
It seems like a decent start price, but without any dealer network near me, I'd be more willing to spend the extra $1000 on a Toyota Yaris than the SMART. I know, I'm crazy, but the whole part about having four seats and relatively similar gas mileage seems like a decent trade-off...
 
TopHat
I think the prices are pretty good. Starts at 11 grand? I'm fine with that. 👍
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$11,500 for the most basic edition, seems a little bit on the pricey side to me for what you are getting.
 
Joey D
$11,500 for the most basic edition, seems a little bit on the pricey side to me for what you are getting.
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$12,400 for a pure coupe with A/C and radio? Add 300 bucks for power steering and you have a "normal" car. It's also built better than anything else available for 11 grand. I'd rather have this than an Aveo, or an Accent.
 
TopHat
I think the prices are pretty good. Starts at 11 grand? I'm fine with that. 👍
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I'd honestly buy one for $11~12k. That's a great price for something that is probably loads of fun to drive. Are Smarts being sold at Mercedes-Benz dealers? If so the likelihood of me being approved for a loan for one is less than 5%.
 
TopHat
$12,400 for a pure coupe with A/C and radio? Add 300 bucks for power steering and you have a "normal" car. It's also built better than anything else available for 11 grand. I'd rather have this than an Aveo, or an Accent.
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It's still pretty overpriced for what is essentially a more powerful golf cart. I would take the small hit on fuel mileage and get something that is actually useful. The Yaris comes to mind being a similar price and has an 08 EPA fuel economy of 29/36 while the Smart does 33/41. Not a huge change especially when you are getting something quite a bit bigger.
 
Joey D
$11,500 for the most basic edition, seems a little bit on the pricey side to me for what you are getting.
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That's not too bad...what's the price on a used Suzuki Hayabusa engine?

Granted...It's somewhat of a premium car, and I'd like to see a less expensive version.
 
Haven't they been on sale for a while now? I think I've seen three or four running around Seattle in the last year. And I think I remember seeing a parking lot full of them at the local M-B dealer at home. These will certainly be sold at M-B dealers with both being Diamler marques.

Safety?

 
Not really, if there was decent crumple zones you wouldn't have that issue. They also made a good point about the crash forces being transfered to the passengers.
 
Div is back
Let's get real, who would do 70mph in a Smart? It's strictly an urban car.
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Loads of people in the UK use them everywhere, I see tons on the motorway everyday!

Here its not an especially small car really!

Robin
 
Joey D
It's still pretty overpriced for what is essentially a more powerful golf cart. I would take the small hit on fuel mileage and get something that is actually useful. The Yaris comes to mind being a similar price and has an 08 EPA fuel economy of 29/36 while the Smart does 33/41. Not a huge change especially when you are getting something quite a bit bigger.
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Smart > Yaris

I actually prefer the Smart's exterior and interior design over the Yaris. And I'm going to make the bold statement that the Smart might outlast the Yaris in terms of build quality as Toyota isn't what they used to be,
 

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